这么 vs 那么 (zhème vs nàme): proximal vs distal degree demonstratives
这么 (zhème) and 那么 (nàme) both mean 'so' or 'such', indicating a high degree. 这么 is used for things close to the speaker in space, time, or discourse (recently mentioned), while 那么 is used for things more distant, known to both parties, or already established. They also appear in comparisons like 'A 有 B 这么/那么 + Adjective'.
这么 and 那么 are degree demonstratives that modify adjectives or verbs to express a high degree ('so', 'such'). 这么 points to something proximal—near the speaker in space, time, or current conversation topic. 那么 points to something distal—far from the speaker, already known, or used to set a known standard. They are often used in exclamations and in comparison structures like 'A 有 B 这么/那么 + Adj' to mean 'as Adj as B'.
When to use each
Use 这么 when you are referring to a degree or quality that is close to the speaker—something you can see, touch, or have just mentioned. It often accompanies gestures (e.g., pointing at a nearby object). Also used in comparison with a visible reference point, such as yourself.
In comparisons, 这么 often implies the standard is physically present or directly accessible (e.g., the speaker themselves: 他和我一样高? No, you'd use 他和我一样高, but with 这么/那么: 他有我这么高 'He is as tall as me').
Use 那么 when the degree or quality is distant from the speaker—something not present, previously known, or assumed to be known by the listener. It often sets a standard in comparisons that is not visible (e.g., a known person or a general concept). Also used in logical conclusions: 既然你来了，那么我们就开始吧。
那么 is preferred when the reference point is understood from context rather than physically pointed to. In comparisons, if you say 'A 有 B 那么高', B is typically a known third person or a typical standard, not the speaker.
At a glance
| 这么 | 那么 | |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity (spatial, temporal, discourse) | Close to speaker | Distant from speaker |
| Indicating visible vs. assumed referent | Used when the speaker can point to the referent | Used when the listener already knows the referent |
| Comparison structure 'A 有 B 这么/那么 + Adj' | Typically uses 这么 when B is the speaker or a present object | Typically uses 那么 when B is a third party or an absent standard |
| Discourse function | Often introduces a new degree reference, or emphasizes something just seen/heard | Often refers back to a previously mentioned degree, or leads to a conclusion |
Examples
- 那么这个苹果有那个那么大。Zhège píngguǒ yǒu nàge nàme dà.This apple is as big as that one.Uses 那么 because the standard 'that one' is the apple being pointed to (distal from speaker).
- 这么我从来没吃过这么辣的东西。Wǒ cónglái méi chī guò zhème là de dōngxi.I've never eaten such spicy food (as this).这么 indicates spiciness of the food the speaker is currently eating (proximal).
- 那么他怎么可能跑得那么快？Tā zěnme kěnéng pǎo de nàme kuài?How could he run so fast?那么 refers to a previously known speed (maybe the listener saw him run earlier).
- 这么你有我这么高吗？Nǐ yǒu wǒ zhème gāo ma?Are you as tall as me?这么 because the standard is the speaker (proximal, physically present).
- 那么既然大家都没意见，那么我们就按计划执行。Jìrán dàjiā dōu méi yìjiàn, nàme wǒmen jiù àn jìhuà zhíxíng.Since everyone has no objection, then let's execute the plan.那么 in a logical conclusion (not comparison).
Common mistakes
- Using 这么 for a standard that is not physically present (e.g., 'This apple is as big as the one we ate yesterday' should use 那么, not 这么).
- Using 那么 for something the speaker is currently holding and pointing to (should use 这么).
- Placing 这么/那么 after 一样 in a comparison (e.g., '他和我一样这么高' is ungrammatical; use '他有我这么高' instead).
- Confusing 这么/那么 (degree) with 这样/那样 (manner); e.g., '你别那么做' means 'Don't do it that way' (manner), not degree.
FAQ
- When do I use 这么 vs 那么?
- Use 这么 for degrees close to you (spatially, temporally, or in the current conversation). Use 那么 for degrees that are far, already known, or used as a distant standard. For example, if you point at a small cup and say '这么小', you mean 'this small (like this cup)'; if you say '那么小' referring to a cup the listener saw earlier, you mean 'that small (like that cup)'.
- Can I use 这么/那么 in comparisons like 'as...as'?
- Yes, use the structure 'A 有 B 这么/那么 + Adjective'. For example, '她有她妹妹那么高' (She is as tall as her younger sister). Choose 这么 if B is near you (e.g., yourself), otherwise 那么. Note: Do not use 'A 和 B 一样这么/那么 + Adj'—that is incorrect.
- Is there a difference in tone between 这么 and 那么 in exclamations?
- Both can express surprise, but the proximity differs. '今天这么热！' (It's so hot today!) implies the heat is right here, you're experiencing it now. '今天那么热！' might be said about a hot day that happened last week, or it could sound like stating a fact known to both. In practice, 这么 is more common in direct exclamations.